ix, 205 pages : 23 cm

This book explores the experiences of women from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries who pursued careers as public performers, charting a new course in an era when womens musical activities were generally consigned to the parlor. Certain instruments had historically evolved as "appropriate for women, " and the flamboyant personalities and extroverted emotionalism of Romantic virtuosos and conductors were the antithesis of those qualities traditionally admired in women. However, this work presents an unusual group of young women who nonetheless became noted virtuosos, studying abroad as teenagers and touring North America upon their return. Detailed profiles are given of three musicians from among that unusual group: Fannie Bloomfield-Zeisler--virtuoso pianist, wife and mother; Ethel Leginska--pianist, conductor, and 1920s "new woman"; and Antonia Brico--conductor and transitional figure to the late twentieth century. A concluding chapter contrasts the experiences of women classical musicians in the late nineteenth and the late twentieth centuries. Included are a number of photographs and drawings which impart the perceptions of audiences and critics of the stage presence of these performers

Includes bibliographical references (pages 183-196) and index

Whence comes the lady tympanist : gender and musical instruments -- He is himself a grand piano : the virtuoso and the conductor -- Spoiled for domesticity : American students abroad -- An able musician and delightful to look at : touring North America -- A Paderewski in petticoats : Fannie Bloomfield-Zeisler -- A gypsy demon possessed the little woman : Ethel Leginska -- Why not Dr. Brico? : Antonia Brico -- Playing with style : the late twentieth century

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